Macron calls for halt to Israel weapons shipments

Macron Shocks Allies: Demands Halt to Israel Weapons Shipments Amid Gaza Crisis

French President Emmanuel Macron calls for halt to Israel weapons shipments, advocating for a political solution to the conflict in Gaza and expressing concerns about the humanitarian situation there. He criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ground operations in Lebanon and emphasized the need to prevent further escalation in the region.

Netanyahu, in response, condemned the calls for an arms embargo against Israel, arguing that they ignore Iran’s support for militant groups and asserting that Israel will prevail despite external pressures. As tensions rise, Macron plans to meet with families of French-Israelis held hostage in Gaza, while the ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with reports indicating over 41,000 deaths in Gaza since the conflict escalated.

Key Concepts

• French President Emmanuel Macron has called for an end to weapon shipments to Israel, advocating for a political solution to the Gaza conflict.
• Macron criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ground operation in Lebanon, expressing concerns about escalating violence.
• Netanyahu condemned calls for an arms embargo on Israel, arguing that civilized nations should support Israel against militant groups backed by Iran.
• Macron emphasized the need to avoid escalation in Lebanon and supported calls for an “immediate and lasting” ceasefire while recognizing Israel’s right to self-defense.
• Israel commemorated the first anniversary of a Hamas attack that killed 1,205 individuals, marking the beginning of an ongoing conflict.
• Israeli military actions in Gaza have reportedly resulted in over 41,825 deaths, primarily among civilians, according to the Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry.
• The United Nations has verified the casualty figures reported by the Gaza Health Ministry, highlighting the humanitarian impact of the conflict.
• Macron plans to meet with families of French-Israelis held hostage in Gaza, reflecting the complex dynamics of the ongoing situation.

French President Emmanuel Macron called on Saturday for an end to the shipment of weapons to Israel for use in Gaza, sparking a sharp reaction from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

He also criticized Netanyahu’s decision to send troops to launch a ground operation in Lebanon.

“I think the priority today is to return to a political solution and we stop the shipment of weapons for fighting in Gaza,” Macron told France Inter radio. “France is not sending any weapons,” he said in the interview recorded on Tuesday.

Macron reiterated his concerns about the conflict in Gaza, which continues despite constant calls for a ceasefire.

“I think our voice is not being heard,” he said, “I think it’s a mistake, including for Israel’s security,” and that the conflict is leading to “hatred.”

Macron’s comments immediately prompted a response from Netanyahu.

“All civilized nations should stand firmly behind Israel as it fights barbaric forces led by Iran,” Netanyahu’s office said in a statement. “

But President Macron and other Western leaders are now calling for an arms embargo on Israel. Shame on them.”

The statement also said Israel is fighting groups backed by arch-enemy Iran on several fronts.

“Does Iran have an arms embargo against Hezbollah, the Houthis, Hamas, and their proxies? Of course not,” Netanyahu said. All three groups are backed by Tehran and form part of an “axis of resistance” against Israel.

“This axis of terror is united. But the nations that allegedly oppose this axis of terror are calling for an arms embargo against Israel. Shame on them!”

Netanyahu said Israel would have won even without their support.

“Their shame will live on long after the war is won,” he said.

“Rest assured, Israel will fight until victory—for ourselves and for the peace and security of the world.”

Call for a ceasefire

Macron said avoiding escalation in Lebanon was “the first priority”.

“Lebanon must not become the new Gaza,” he said, returning to the subject Saturday in a speech to the Conference of Francophonie in Paris.

Macron said despite calls from Paris and Washington for a ceasefire, “I regret that Prime Minister Netanyahu has made another choice and taken on this responsibility, especially with a ground operation on Lebanese territory.”

He said, adding that the 88 member states of the International Organization of la Francophonie (OIF), including France and Canada, had called for an “immediate and lasting” ceasefire in Lebanon.

But Macron reiterated Israel’s right to self-defense and said he would meet with relatives of French-Israelis held hostage in Gaza on Monday.

Israel on Monday marked the first anniversary of a devastating October 7 Hamas attack that triggered the Gaza war and has now spread to neighboring Lebanon, creating a dangerous regional crisis.

The attack killed 1,205 people, mostly civilians, AFP said, citing an official Israeli tally.

The Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry said Israel’s retaliatory attacks on Gaza have so far killed at least 41,825 people, mostly civilians. The United Nations said the figures were reliable.